How Do I Return to the Church?

[ConstantineTG]

Constantine,

So I joined a Buddhist “church” years ago, and then not so long ago joined a WELS Lutheran church. Am I excommunicated? I hope not! I thought all I was going to have to do to return (in full communion) is get an annulment!

I can’t really say because I’m not a canon lawyer. Apparently the Church is lenient for those who may not be aware of the gravity of their actions at the time of their conversion. Best to talk to a priest about it who can give you a definitive and authoritative answer.

edit:
Just to add, sometimes joining another faith may not necessarily mean one has abandonned the Christian faith. Many people get confused at certain points in their lives. The best advice I can give is to talk to you priest about it. If you feel that the priest you’ve spone with is not satisfying your questions, contact the office of your diocese and they always have a knowledgable and well trained priest who may be able to give you advice and assess your situation.

 

[daeve]

Here’s what I did. I called the Archdiocese office and asked. They told me all I needed to do was go to confession at my parish. And yes, excommunication was involved. Why don’t you call the diocese?

 

[TexCatholic4JMJ]

So happy to hear you’ll be coming home! Just to tell you I will keep you in my prayers
that you will be able to tackle whatever you need to do.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Here’s what I did. I called the Archdiocese office and asked. They told me all I needed to do was go to confession at my parish. And yes, excommunication was involved. Why don’t you call the diocese?

Awesome. I’m not surprised too that this has been deligated to the priest to lift the excommunication. There may always be a number of people leaving and coming back to the faith, you don’t want to tie your Bishop down hearing dozens, maybe even hundreds of people a month who were former Catholics coming back to the faith. Same with abortions, which is a sad reality that there are too many out there that the Bishop has to employ the help of his priests for this.

 

[StevieD]

Contrary to what some people believe, you do not have to confess in the confessional, you can just ask questions if you wish. I understand, from priests, that some non-Catholics use the anonymity of the confessional to ‘open up’ to a stranger including non-Catholic clergy.

So just go to a church where the local priest has a good reputation for his orthodoxy to church teaching (and kindness) and go in and ask all the questions you have.

 

[GKCT]

I hope by now you have received the sacrament of reconciliation. And if not, you can go to confession behind the screen. A priest, at ordination, is given the means to lift an excommunication, you will not have to meet with the bishop. There is nothing you have done that God won’t forgive and the priest has heard worse. Please don’t judge every priest by the actions of one or two that you have had contact with, most are compassionate and willing to listen. You could also make an appointment with a priest to hear confession. You could ask him to meet you at the confessional as you would prefer doing it behind a screen. I went to confession after being away for almost 30 years and it was tough. The first time I did it behind the screen, but now I just do it face to face. Had some real bad stuff to confess and it took a few times before I got rid of everything–couldn’t remember it all. Went to the same priest every time and now consider him my friend. I wish you well, you seem to be on the right track.
And pray, pray, pray, especially to the Holy Spirit to give you strength and courage.

 

[joandarc2008]

Welcome home Sarah. I hope you have found a good Parish by now and had time to talk to a priest and get your answers. God bless.